In his new role, he will be responsible for negotiating player contracts, salary arbitration preparation, overseeing the club’s minor league affiliates, managing the club’s payroll and salary cap, as well as serving as the day-to-day contact of the hockey operations department.

 

The most enjoyable interview (to me) I’ve ever done was with Santos after the Predators acquired Peter Forsberg from Philadelphia in February of 2007. Santos explained how Nashville needed to first acquire a defenseman. The Preds did that when Eric Belanger was sent to Atlanta for Vitaly Vishnevski. After that was done, Nashville did its homework to see what the other playoff teams had to offer the Flyers. The Predators had one more first rounder to offer that other teams, specifically Detroit, did not. Santos gave a very clear explanation on the entire process and I was fascinated. Not only because of the inner workings of the deal, but also because he was actually willing to share the inner workings of the deal.

 

Mike is an extremely intelligent gentleman and was very deserving of this chance. I’m going to miss seeing him around.

 

Moving on…

 

Do you wonder how it’s possible players can sign multi-million dollar contracts with new teams less than an hour into free agency? There was quite a bit of movement in the NHL right from the get-go of free agency. If you’re a hockey fan and you’re not on Twitter, you’re really missing out. The guys at TSN and several beat writers do an excellent job breaking news. You can also follow me.

 

Nashville signed Jonas Andersson to a one-year deal. You’ll remember he played with the Admirals and Predators at the beginning of the century before heading back to Europe. I doubt we’ll see him in Milwaukee, but stranger things have happened.

 

A guy I really like, personally, is Joey Crabb. The former Wolves forward signed a two-year deal with the Maple Leafs. Another favorite of mine from Admirals rivals, former Rampage forward Joel Perrault, received a one-way deal from Vancouver.

 

Does anyone have any comments/criticisms about the Flip? It’s that mini camcorder. I’ve been thinking about purchasing one. I think it would be great for road trips. I asked a friend that I trust about it last night and he blasted it. I need more input.

 

I leave you today with another goalie that played briefly for the Admirals before having a very good NHL career, Pete Peeters. Peeters appeared in 33 games in 1977-78 with the Admirals, sharing time with Rich Sirois for coach Gene Ubriaco.